Wesley SneijderNetherlands

A top player with a fine range of passing and the ability to score the spectacular, Inter Milan's Sneijder is now at his third professional club after becoming one of the many Dutch casualties at Real Madrid.

A product of the hugely successful Ajax youth academy, Sneijder made his professional debut in a 2-0 win at Excelsior in December 2002. A dead-ball specialist, Sneijder carved out a reputation as a goal-scoring midfielder, and netted 43 goals in 126 games for the Amsterdam club.

A £20 million move to Real Madrid in 2007 got off to a great start as he scored five goals in his first four appearances, but he would be sold after just two seasons as both he and compatriot Rafael van der Vaart found themselves unable to establish themselves in the first team - with Sneijder opting to move to Serie A to link up with Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

It was a wonderful move for a team desperately in need of a playmaker of his ilk, as he picked up the treble of league, cup and Champions League in his first season and led his side to the World Cup final. He had already proved his international credentials with a starring role in Euro 2008 and, with five goals in South Africa, made himself one of the most respected midfielders in the game.

However, with Mourinho's departure to Real his return to club football coincided with a downturn in results, as Inter failed to adjust to Rafa Benitez's new regime. Inter saw arch-rivals AC Milan clinch the title in 2011, as they also fell short in defence of their European crown.

The summer then saw Sneijder strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, but despite negotiations a deal was unable to be reached - with the Dutchman's contract demands believed to be the ultimate stumbling block.

Strengths: Quick, strong and powerful with accurate shooting ability. Can play with both feet.

Weaknesses: Lacks height and can go missing in games.

Career high: Winning the treble with Inter Milan in 2009-10.

Career low: Being forced out of Real Madrid after just two seasons - although losing in the World Cup final has got to sting a bit too.

Style: Good with both feet and a real weapon from set-pieces, Sneijder possesses a brilliant shot in his armoury. Can destroy any team with his attacking ability.

Quotes: "Leaving Madrid is not a defeat. They have treated me very bad, but I prefer not to speak, really. Inter are one of the biggest clubs in the world, for four years they have been Italian champions, and I am proud to wear the Nerazzurra jersey. This is a World Cup year and I want to go there as a protagonist." Wesley Sneijder in August 2009.

Trivia: The player claims that his style is down to his upbringing, playing "cage" football against older children in Ondiep.